Majority of Americans are for Ban on Torture -Press Release
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Majority of Americans are for Ban on Torture
COLLEGE PARK, Maryland, June 25 - Six of every 10 Americans believe that we should have a international convention the states “governments should never use physical torture” in order to get information for a person. 38% believe that such a ban is too restrictive according to a new poll from research firm Knowledge Networks.
The majority oppose nearly all methods used for extracting information and coercing those detained even in a situation where receiving such information could prove critical to stopping a terrorist attack on US soil. Respondents were presented with an example of a detainee who could have “information about a possible terrorist attack on the US that may prove critical to stop the attack.” and were presented with various common methods for extracting such information.
Majorities opposed forcing the detainee to take stressful positions (56%), using threatening dogs (64%), exposing the detainee to extreme heat and cold (66%), making the detainee go naked (71%), holding the detainee’s head under water (78%), punching or kicking the detainee (80%), and applying electric shocks (81%).
Sleep deprivation did receive minor support (52%) but putting a hood over the detainees head and playing loud music both had divided views.
Even many of the respondents who believe that an all out international convention banning torture would be too restrictive also believe that the international norm against it should not be changed to allow governments to use physical torture (21%)
Steven Kull, director of WorldPublicOpinion.org said: “Though other polls have shown most Americans do not want to indict Bush administration figures for the interrogation methods used, a large majority does want to retain the international norm that bans torture.”
About the Poll
The poll consisted of 805 Americans and was conducted between May 27 and June 4 2009 with a suggested margin of error of +/- 3.5%.
Knowledge Networks used a nationwide panel to conduct the poll which is randomly selected from the adult population of the country and provided internet access if needed. The web survey is comprised of a probability based panel that is designed to be representative of the US population as a whole.
About Knowledge Networks
Providing consumer information for the 21st century, Knowledge Networks was founded in 1998 by two Stanford University Professors. The company is now one the top 25 US research firms in terms of revenue. The company helps business to grow by delivering unique insights into their customer base through a combination of information platforms, industry expertise and analytic insight.
For Further Information Please Contact
For more information on the poll please visit http:///www.worldpublicopinion.org
Press Release Written by: Staff From Press Release Services
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